Australia in Focus: Are you eligible for disaster relief payments?
People living in six additional local government areas (LGAs) in Australia who have been affected by severe storms and flooding that continuously impact areas of New South Wales may be eligible to receive government disaster payments.
The one-off, non-means Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment will amount to $1,000 per eligible adult and child, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.
The assistance is available to people living in LGAs that have suffered significant loss due to floods, including a severely destroyed or damaged house or a severe injury.
The list of eligible LGAs includes Dungog, Bayside, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Singleton, and Upper Lachlan, which brings the total number of eligible LGAs to 29.
Employees and sole traders who experienced a loss of income because of a significant disaster will also be eligible to receive a taxable Disaster Recovery Allowance payable for 13 weeks.
The Albanese government said it is working quickly to provide financial assistance as damage from the widespread calamity continues to be assessed.
Amanda Rishworth, Acting Minister for Government Services, said Services Australia's priority is to help people access essential disaster assistance. She said that more than 42,000 people have already been supported with much-needed income support and cash payments with the help of Services Australia's staff processing claims as quickly as possible. The fastest and easiest way for people from LGAs to claim assistance is through MyGov.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is also available in the local government areas of Blue Mountains, Blacktown, Canterbury Bankstown, Camden, Campbelltown, Cessnock, Kiama, Lithgow, Sutherland, Central Coast, Georges River, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Liverpool, Penrith, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Wingecarribee, Shoalhaven, The Hills, Wollondilly, and Northern Beaches.
Eligible New Zealand citizens with "non-protected" Special category visas, subclass 444 holders affected by the floods, will also receive equivalent financial assistance.
The lump-sum payment for severe storms and flooding victims in New South Wales started in February 2022.
Those who can claim the assistance must be 16 years old during the floods. Meanwhile, couples can make separate claims for aid. Likewise, children can receive assistance if they depend on a principal carer who was seriously injured, had passed away, or is missing.
People who need help claiming disaster relief can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.